Possess Nothing

Before God created man He first prepared for him a world that was full of useful and pleasant things (Tozer, Spiritual Classics, p. 113). These were 'things' meant to sustain and please the man, and yet, to remain external to him. The many attachments intertwining my heart, mind, and soul are beyond mere externals it seems. How do I grow in affection and commitment to those I love; grow in experience and effectiveness with initiatives I care about; increase my borders and boundaries; and hold it all loosely so as to possess nothing?

Then Jesus said to His disciples: "If anyone would come after Me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow Me. For whoever wants to save his life must lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. What good will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and loses his soul?